Ortolani

Ortolani is a term that primarily refers to a maneuver used in the physical examination of infants to assess for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This maneuver is performed by a healthcare professional to detect instability or dislocation of the hip joint.

The Ortolani maneuver involves flexing the infant's hip to 90 degrees and then gently abducting the leg and applying outward pressure along the shaft of the femur. If the hip is dislocated, a palpable click or "clunk" may be felt as the femoral head reduces into the acetabulum. This click is indicative of a positive Ortolani sign.

The test is typically performed on newborns and young infants, as the hip joint is more flexible and the ligaments are looser, making the maneuver more sensitive. A negative Ortolani sign does not entirely rule out DDH, and other clinical signs, as well as imaging studies such as ultrasound or X-ray, may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

In addition to its medical significance, "Ortolani" can also refer to a surname of Italian origin. The word itself is derived from the Italian word "ortolano," meaning gardener.